JEDDAH: Many businesses, particularly taxi companies, are reaping the financial rewards of the increase in tourists to Jeddah since the end of school exams last week and the start of the summer holiday.
According to latest statistics from the Jeddah Chamber of Commerce and Industry's taxi commission, there are currently 280 taxi companies operating in Jeddah, comprising 30,000 taxis.
"We currently have 107 cars operating Kingdomwide, with 70 of those in Jeddah, but we managed to increase profits by 50 percent during the summer holiday," operations manager at Jeddah-based HANCO Syed Khaled Mansoor told Arab News.
He said that he only lets drivers work shifts rather than allowing them to drive freely, stating that the company opts to pay drivers salary instead of making drivers pay a monthly fee and then letting them keep any leftover profits.
The reason companies have switched from this type of scheme is because it has proven dangerous for both drivers and passengers.
Arab News witnessed a woman walking alone along a major street in Jeddah who was almost crushed by three taxis clamoring to offer their services Monday morning.
Unsafe driving, according to some drivers, amounts to nothing more than greed and doing whatever it takes to make as much money as possible.
"During the summer we are able to increase fees by as much as SR15 per destination by haggling with tourists and passengers. With so much money to be made, many drivers take pills to stay awake in order to drive all day and night, sometimes even for up to three days straight without sleep, "said Palestinian taxi driver Mohammed.
In addition, other taxi companies have increased their fleet of cars over the summer season to maximize profits.
"Our company recently added nearly 30 cars and drivers to its fleet," said Arshid Abdulazim, a Pakistani driver who used to be a construction worker.
Others who are looking to make extra money have also been using their own or rented cars to provide taxi services.
"We realize that there are many pilgrims here for Umrah, so we have decided to use our cars to take pilgrims to Makkah and Madinah. My friend and I have been doing this for the past two summers," said Majid Emam, a Saudi in his 20s who usually works as a secretary for a local real estate company.
"We charge each person SR20 to Makkah from Kilo 10 and SR150 per person to Madinah. In a month we can each usually make between SR3,000 and SR4,000."
By Sarah Abdullah
© Arab News 2010
